Arthurlie 2-1 Glasgow University – 17 July 2021 – WoSFL Conference A

By Frank Cassidy

ARTHURLIE got off to a winning start as competitive football returned to Dunterlie Park.

Although they survived an early scare when keeper James Scott saved from Donald Thomson, the home side took an early lead.

With less than 15 minutes played, a promising attack was ended when Nad Zeb was tripped on the edge of the box.

Up stepped Tam McGaughey whose free kick flew over the defensive wall and past the stationary keeper.

As the sun-soaked fans settled back to watch more of the same, Darren Ramsey shot just over from distance.

Glasgow Uni also had chances though and Lewis Dibble headed against the crossbar with Scott beaten.

At the other end, Gary Carroll almost netted with a spectacular diving header – but was ruled offside.

Scott was again called into action when he somehow managed to divert a point blank effort.

Just before the interval, Arthurlie were awarded a free kick close to where McGaughey had scored from, but on this occasion he shot just over.

Just as the visitors had started the match, Arthurlie created an early opportunity as the second half got underway.

Ramsay fired in a long range shot which keeper Ben Fulton tipped over the bar.

Then Dale Simeon came close with a shot from what looked like an impossible angle.

It was all Arthurlie now and McGaughey set up Ramsay, whose shot came crashing off the bar.

Justice was done as Arthurlie’s pressure paid off when, during another assault on the visitors’ goal, Colin Granger handled in the box.

Carroll made no mistake from the spot (pictured) and, with an hour played, Arthurlie had some breathing space…or so it seemed.

Within minutes they too conceded a penalty, although on this occasion Scott made a magnificent save from Dibble.

Spurred on by Scott’s heroics, ‘Lie tried to increase their lead and Carroll headed home, only to be ruled out for offside.

The next goal came at the other end, though, as Dibble made up for his penalty miss to make for a nervy last 10 minutes but Arthurlie stood firm to gain the three points.

Arthurlie Team – Scott; Gebbie, Bradley (McKay 75), Pearce, MacNeil, Leyden, Zeb, Ramsay, Carroll (Roulston 80), Simeon, McGaughey. Subs not used – Nolan, McLeod, Mclaughlin, Pirie.